Malley

Patronymic

Meaning

Descendant of Maolmhuaidh, a personal name meaning 'bald or tonsured devotee'.

Etymology

From Irish Ó Maolmhuaidh, where 'maol' means bald or tonsured and 'muaidh' relates to a personal name element. The surname evolved through anglicization of the Gaelic patronymic form.

About the Malley Surname

An Irish surname with roots in Gaelic patronymic tradition, indicating descent from a person with the personal name Maolmhuaidh. The name is found in various anglicized forms across English-speaking regions.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 8,500 bearers in the United States #1,214 most common surname
Rare Common

Primarily Ireland and Irish diaspora communities.

Malley Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the Malley Surname